I'd like to begin by congratulating you, Mr. Minister, on your hard work since taking office, particularly with regard to the coronavirus and flight 752 in Iran.
I think it's particularly appropriate when you've been questioned about our efforts to advocate on behalf of all Canadians, regardless of their background or origin. When we say a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian, that was manifest in terms of our treatment of and our support for the Iranian-Canadian community in this country at the start of this year.
So, thank you very much.
I want to start with one very general question.
You've heard a lot about the committee's concerns for human rights, and I share them. I'm a human rights lawyer and was a constitutional lawyer prior to being a parliamentarian. You've also had some questions asked of you about the money that's being spent by Canada in terms of our international engagement.
Just off the bat, Mr. Minister, it's a very simple question. If you're going to advocate internationally for human rights, could you tell us if that requires you and Global Affairs Canada to spend money doing so by visiting different parts of the planet?